Restoring 1970 Datsun

[iCruZ]

First of all I would like for anyone to tell me how I would be able to tell if my pickup truck I am trying to restore is a 520 or a 521 , when I bought it the man didn't know either and it has no badges on it. the transmission is the stock 5 speed I believe but the motor was replaced with a 1.6 liter engine. I'm also needing help finding a radiator for my project any help would be greatly appreciated ! first time Datsun owner and restorer (:

[Spoona_Jay21]

 

Actually seriously pics would help =P

 

Most likely since it is a 70' it's probably a 521 =P

 

Look at you vin plate underhood, at the top it should say something like "PL521" or "L520"

[iCruZ]

im trying to do that as we speak but im not the greatest with computers. my project is my profile picture. truck is currently at a friends junkyard getting the engine swapped

http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard would this help ?

[wayno]

First of all I would like for anyone to tell me how I would be able to tell if my pickup truck I am trying to restore is a 520 or a 521 , when I bought it the man didn't know either and it has no badges on it. the transmission is the stock 5 speed I believe but the motor was replaced with a 1.6 liter engine. I'm also needing help finding a radiator for my project any help would be greatly appreciated ! first time Datsun owner and restorer (:

Need a photo of the front, neither the 520 or the 521 came with a 5 speed.

What does the VIN plate say in the engine compartment?

This is my 520 VIN plate.

See the location of the plate on the firewall.

[iCruZ]

thanks that's exactly what I needed ! (:
ill look as soon as I can and get back to you on that , hopefully with image proof. by the way "Datsun mechanic" what engine is in the Datsun photo you posted on the reply ?

posted a few more photos but most likely no useful ones. http://icruz-5.tumblr.com/

[Charlie69]

The Link takes you to Tumbleweed login.

[iCruZ]

sorry about that not great with computers

I need to learn how to post the pictures on to Ratsun. Can anyone see the pictures that I post on Tumblr if I post the link ?

http://icruz-5.tumblr.com/

[iCruZ]

Anyone know where I could find a radiator for a manual 70's 520 or 521 pickup , the truck is a manual I asked my local auto parts stores to see if they could help me out but with no luck. motor is a 1.6 liter engine. ill try getting better pictures up when I can. any info or links; information of any sort would be appreciated

http://icruz-5.tumblr.com/

[thisismatt]

That is a 521.  Sorry, can't help you on the radiator lead.

[wayno]

This is a 521 as "thisismatt" said.

The photo I posted of my 520 with the VIN tag location has an L20b in it, which is basically the same as an L16, just a little taller and with bigger pistons.

[Rocket Dog]

I read somewhere (Wayno or DanielC?) that a VW rabbit radiator works as a substitute for a stock 521 radiator.  Different but workable fit and it has larger cooling capacity? 

 

(If I'm talking out my a** set me straight on that)

[iCruZ]

thank you "rocket dog" ! ill be searching for one if you find any links please let me know (:

trying to get my Datsun on the road as soon as I can , and thanks for letting me know its a 521 "wayno" how are you able to tell ?

[iCruZ]

Can anyone else agree that a VW rabbit radiator would fit apparently my Datsun 521 ? or has anyone actually done it to there own truck ?

did 521 pickups come with a two piece chrome rear bumper stock ? http://icruz-5.tumblr.com/ (I do not own the tan truck in the tumblr link just a truck from online)

[thisismatt]

It's a 521 by the year, the side marker lights, the shape of the front end, etc. Those are all different from a 520.

[thisismatt]

Where in the 805 are you?

[iCruZ]

all of this is all new to me thanks for all the help ! and info on my truck , hope you all think it was a descent decision on buying it in the condition that it is.

"thisismatt" im from California ha near Santa Barbara ...exact town not saying.

[iCruZ]

any ideas on where I could find badges and other details for a 521 ?

[wayno]

This is what a 520 frontend looks like, see how the front fenders/hood drop/droop, that is an easy way to tell the difference.

The rest of the truck is not stock, this is the closest photo I was able to find fast.

[wayno]

Here's another one, this is basically stock.

[iCruZ]

you just blew my mind ! I was sure this was a 520 from the rough searching I did online aha ill take your word for it , I can sure tell the difference on the front end (:

did only the 521's come with the double headlights ? "wayno"

[Rocket Dog]

It's a 521.  Matt lives near you and so do I.  I have about 1.5 parts trucks. 

[DanielC]

It was not me who said you could use a VW rabbit radiator in a 521, but I am NOT saying you cannot.  I do nor know.

 

I think in 1968, 520 trucks got 4 headlights.  1969 the model was changed to a 521, flatter hood, and fenders.  Also got side marker lights, and an L-16 engine.

There are two threads about the differences in 521 trucks.

[Dguy210]

It was not me who said you could use a VW rabbit radiator in a 521, but I am NOT saying you cannot.  I do nor know.

 

I think in 1968, 520 trucks got 4 headlights.  1969 the model was changed to a 521, flatter hood, and fenders.  Also got side marker lights, and an L-16 engine.

There are two threads about the differences in 521 trucks.

The '69 521 was still the 67hp J13 engine (L521TU and G521 long body), 521 went on sale in late '68. 70 is the 96hp L16 (PL521TU). Basically, everything forward of the firewall for the cab is different between the 520 and 521.

[wayno]

you just blew my mind ! I was sure this was a 520 from the rough searching I did online aha ill take your word for it , I can sure tell the difference on the front end (:

did only the 521's come with the double headlights ? "wayno"

 

Here is another 520 with double(4) headlights, it's a 1967 according to the thread title.

[thisismatt]

No. Late model 520's had 4 headlights, but the frontend still looks a lot different than the 521.  Here is a late 520.  Note the different blinkers, grill, fender/hood shape: